GREAT to see Ben Ross (Werribee) and Cam Wood (Williamstown) given a second chance at an AFL career with the rookie draft last week. Cam spent one year in the VFL and made quite an impact with the Seagulls in his 20 games. Ben was delisted at the end of the 2011 season by North Melbourne. In fact, the week he was told he was out of a job, he continued to play for Werribee and kicked five goals just days after his sacking. His 2012 season produced a Liston Trophy and a top three finish in the Werribee best and fairest. He was overlooked by all AFL clubs and again produced a great season for Werribee finishing in the top three again. The move by Hawthorn came as a great but pleasant surprise to everyone at Avalon Airport Oval. By his own admission, he was immature when he was first drafted but he is more than ready this time around. I can tell you though, no one is looking forward to seeing him in Box Hill colours.
Sad to hear of the passing of Paul Hollingsworth last week. Paul has been fighting cancer for a number of months and was a well-known local businessman and member of the Hoppers Crossing Sports Club where he was a former committee man. His dedication to the golf club, the football club, the fishing club and the sports club in general made him a very popular person around Hogans Rd. Paul was a genuine, friendly and intelligent man who will be sadly missed. My condolences to Viv, Stuart, Adam, Cameron and his many friends. It will not be the same not seeing him at games next football season. Paul outfitted my house with security doors a few years back and was exceptional in looking after me. RIP Paul unfortunately we won’t get to have that beer at Christmas, but we will all raise a glass in your honour. Cheers.
If anyone ever tells you that watching golf on television is not exciting, play them the final few holes of the Australian Open from last weekend with Adam Scott and Rory McIlroy. That was a finish for the ages. I don’t think I have ever willed a putt not to drop, but I so wanted Adam Scott to win. He didn’t and that is why sport is great viewing, because you never know what is going to happen. Adam Scott is the best thing to happen to Australian Golf since Greg Norman and the entire country has embraced him, which is why I was hoping Rory’s putt did not go in last Sunday. Fortunately, Adam already has a green jacket in his wardrobe, something the great White Shark could not do.
Former Werribee captain Robbie Castello, who will play with Maribynong Park next year, will have his hands full off the park with the news that he and his wife Laura are expecting a baby next year. The Castello clan is already huge, but another one will be more than welcome. On a sad note, the passing of Elaine Schultz will touch the hearts of the many white and blue fans who have followed John Schultz. You could not meet a nicer man than John, and as you would expect his wife Elaine was exactly the same. I will miss her presence at Bulldogs functions like the East West Young Guns Dinner. A great lady, RIP Elaine- Condolences to John and his family.
We are looking for a studio host and a match day caller for the WRFL Match of the Day for next year. If you would like to be part of the team, please contact me. We have been the pathway for many very successful people in the 10 years I have been involved in the coverage on local radio. One of our goals is to help talent to get to the next level.
If you have any news or events, let me know on the e-mail kevin@howdypartnersmedia.com.au and you can follow me on twitter @KevinHillier and check out the website howdypartnersmedia.com.au
